Some supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are reporting that they are being attacked by hoodlums (popularly known as Area Boys) in Lagos on Saturday, February 11.
Videos and pictures shared on social media show some individuals with bruises, as well as vandalised buses and cars purportedly deployed to transport supporters for the various events to be held by the party in the state.
Ordinary rally APC thugs are attacking us. Desperation cannot get them to Aso Rock. They think their principal is running for president of Lagos. Very bad! #ObiDattiInLagos #LagosForLP pic.twitter.com/swU7koqABW
— Jaypee (@JaypeeGeneral) February 11, 2023
Situation report: political thugs belonging to the political party that's mostly known for election violence and thuggery have attacked innocent Obidients going for the @PeterObi rally. Happened in Jakande-Lekki. @PoliceNG should be informed. 🎥 Comrade Irewunmi pic.twitter.com/TKjtuGmmlc
— TUNA 🦁 EKUN (@TundeSmilez) February 11, 2023
An activist and Obi supporter, Rinu Oduala, said, “‘Obidients are bullies’. But one party is currently trying to prevent LP rally in Lagos by sponsoring attacks with thugs armed with machetes and guns. The wickedness of our ‘intellectuals and celebrities’ isn’t talked about enough.”
Another tweeter, @anthonyabakporo, said it was sad to see that some thugs were attacking Obidients.
We are pushing through towards TBS. We're now on the Lagos Road Walk: the turn out is awesome. I'm really humbled! -PO pic.twitter.com/lhVmFdiJZ9
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2023
“They just did at Jakande but we were able to get them to TBS, They are receiving treatment. Please signal us if you experience any difficulties. Don’t let notting (sic) stop you! Be here!,” he added.
For @iksunnygreat, victory is on the horizon as nothing good comes easy.
“Just look at the way thugs are attacking innocent folks and their cars/buses because of their support for a better Nigeria. Well, nothing good comes easy. We are too close to give up now💪 Nigeria must be great,” he tweeted.
This happened just now, the 11th day of February, 2023 at Jakande, Lekki. APC thugs attacked this guy's and took there phones because they wore OBI DATTI clothes. Why are we like this?
APC, nothing fit save una from the agony of defeat. pic.twitter.com/xolr7RziwA
— Charly Boy Area Fada 1 (@AreaFada1) February 11, 2023
We just arrived at the Alaba international market to an awesome reception. We're pondering what the rally will be like. LP is Finishing Strong. Salute to all Obidients and the Nigerian Youths.- PO pic.twitter.com/zVc3q0nwzv
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) February 11, 2023
Peter Obi had in 2022 condemned an alleged attack on supporters of the Labour Party in Lagos State, after a social media user, Obi Flag Boy, was allegedly attacked at Oshodi.
It was also reported that some of the party’s supporters were arrested before the rally.